This image processing device for games is a device whereby a prescribed number of models (characters) are setup in virtual space, these models are controlled such that they move in prescribed directions in the virtual space, and images of this virtual space from a virtual viewpoint are displayed on means for display. In order to display the movement of the models that are arranged in virtual space more realistically, in one construction thereof, this device is provided with means for image processing that apply virtual centripetal force to the models. Furthermore, in order to display the movement of the models more realistically and to heighten the dramatic effect, in one construction thereof, this device is equipped with means for processing residual image presentation in order to represent the track of movement of a model as residual images. This means for processing is equipped with means for storage that store without modification motion data of the model prior to the current motion and with means for display control that display this stored data together with the current motion data.

Claim:

The invention claimed is:

1. An image processing method for executing game image processing using an image processing device, the image processing device including a CPU for executing gameapplication software stored in a memory, and a user information input device, wherein the CPU sets, based on the game application software and information input from a user, a user-operated model operated by the user and an opponent model that is anopponent of the user-operated model, the user-operated model and the opponent model facing each other in virtual space created by the game application software, controls the user-operated model so that it moves in prescribed directions in the virtualspace, and displays, in a display device, an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint, the method comprising: a first step of determining, if a level of the user-operated model differs from a position of the opponent model, under thecontrol of the CPU, whether or not a coordinate of the user-operated model needs to be corrected; a second step of determining, under the control of the CPU, whether contact has occurred between the opponent and a ground in the virtual space; a thirdstep of calculating, if the level difference exists in the first step and the contact has occurred in the second step, under the control of the CPU, the level difference between the user-operated model and the opponent model based on elevation of theground on which the user-operated model and the opponent model stand in the virtual space; and a fourth step of conducting, under the control of the CPU, a calculation for compensating, based on the level difference between the user-operated model andthe opponent model, a coordinate of movement of the user-operated model in the virtual space predetermined based on an assumption that no level difference exists between the user-operated model and the opponent model.

2. The game image processing method according to claim 1, wherein if the level difference exceeds a prescribed range, the CPU adjusts the level difference to be within the prescribed range and conducts the fourth step based on the adjustedlevel difference.

3. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a program for executing a game image processing in an image processing device, the image processing device including a CPU for executing game application software stored in a memory,and a user information input device, wherein the CPU sets, based on the game application software and information input from a user, a user-operated model operated by the user and an opponent model that is an opponent of the user-operated model, theuser-operated model and the opponent model facing each other in virtual space created by the game application software, controls the user-operated model so that it moves in prescribed directions in the virtual space, and displays, in a display device, animage of the virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint, wherein the program executes: a first step of determining, if a level of the user-operated model differs from a position of the opponent model, under the control of the CPU, whether or not acoordinate of the user-operated model needs to be corrected; a second step of determining, under the control of the CPU, whether contact has occurred between the opponent and a ground in the virtual space; a third step of calculating, if the leveldifference exists in the first step and the contact has occurred in the second step, under the control of the CPU, the level difference between the user-operated model and the opponent model based on elevation of the ground on which the user-operatedmodel and the opponent model stand in the virtual space; and a fourth step of conducting, under the control of the CPU, a calculation for compensating, based on the level difference between the user-operated model and the opponent model, a coordinate ofmovement of the user-operated model in the virtual space predetermined based on an assumption that no level difference exists between the user-operated model and the opponent model.

4. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium according to claim 3, wherein if the level difference exceeds a prescribed range, the CPU adjusts the level difference to be within the prescribed range and conducts the fourth step basedon the adjusted level difference.

5. An image processing device for executing game image processing, comprising: a user information input device; and a CPU for executing game application software stored in a memory; wherein the CPU sets, based on the game application softwareand information input from a user, a user-operated model operated by the user and an opponent model that is an opponent of the user-operated model, the user-operated model and the opponent model facing each other in virtual space created by the gameapplication software, controls the user-operated model so that it moves in prescribed directions in the virtual space, and displays, in a display device, an image of the virtual space viewed from a virtual viewpoint, wherein the CPU executes: a firststep of determining, if a level of the user-operated model differs from a position of the opponent model, under the control of the CPU, whether or not a coordinate of the user-operated model needs to be corrected; a second step of determining, under thecontrol of the CPU, whether contact has occurred between the opponent and a ground in the virtual space; a third step of calculating, if the level difference exists in the first step and contact has occurred in the second step, under the control of theCPU, the level difference between the user-operated model and the opponent model based on elevation of the ground on which the user-operated model and the opponent model stand in the virtual space; and a fourth step of conducting, under the control ofthe CPU, a calculation for compensating, based on the level difference between the user-operated model and the opponent model, a coordinate of movement of the user-operated model in the virtual space predetermined based on an assumption that no leveldifference exists between the user-operated model and the opponent model.

6. The game image processing device according to claim 5, wherein if the level difference exceeds a prescribed range, the CPU adjusts the level difference to be within the prescribed range and conducts the fourth step based on the adjustedlevel difference.